In a recent interview, UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin engaged in a comprehensive discussion about the current landscape of sports and global affairs. This conversation took place in Monaco, shortly before the draw for this season’s European football competitions, covering a myriad of topics including the situation in the Middle East, Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, and the intersection of athletics and international relations.
Throughout the dialogue, Čeferin did not shy away from expressing his views on world leaders, labeling them as “reckless politicians” whose actions contribute significantly to civilian casualties and destruction.
Insights on Slovenia’s Athletic Success
When asked about Slovenia’s remarkable achievement of producing two of the world’s top athletes—cyclist Tadej Pogačar and basketball player Luka Dončić—Čeferin attributed this success to the unique combination of cultural and genetic factors. He stated, “I think it’s a great mix. We have some Balkan fighting spirit, but not too much. We are still disciplined. Our culture is closer to Austrian or Northern Italian. At the same time, we are fighters, like all these ex-Yugoslavian nations are.” He described the results as phenomenal and difficult to explain succinctly.
Football and Global Diplomacy
Discussing the implications of politics on football, Čeferin emphasized the need for the war in Ukraine to cease for Russian teams to be welcomed back into UEFA competitions. He expressed hope that progress was being made but acknowledged a lack of concrete information, relying largely on media reports. The UEFA leader expressed a desire to allow youth teams back into competitions, indicating a belief that children should not be punished for the actions of their governments.
“I still think that the children should be treated differently because, you know, they are raised in fear and hatred,” Čeferin remarked.
Referring to the Champions League final scheduled to occur in Budapest, Čeferin stated that his organization respects Hungary as a member state, maintaining that UEFA will not become a political organization. He added that investment in sports infrastructure from the Hungarian government surpasses that of many critics.
When confronted with the issue of excluding Israeli clubs from competitions amid the Gaza conflict, he expressed deep concern for civilian casualties but reiterated his stance against penalizing athletes for their governments’ actions, reflecting on historical precedents that led to further animosity.
Čeferin remarked, “I cannot understand how a politician who can do a lot to stop the slaughter, anywhere, can go to sleep seeing all the children and all the civilians dead. I don’t understand it.” He further emphasized the importance of not looking to football as a solution to global conflicts.
As the discussion turned to UEFA’s political stance, Čeferin defended the organization’s foundation aimed at aiding children, asserting that the loss of innocence due to geopolitical crises warrants a compassionate response rather than a political one. He acknowledged criticism from both ends of political spectrums but remained focused on the need for human rights advocacy.
Regarding FIFA’s potential competition with UEFA, Čeferin dismissed concerns, stating that the financial motivations behind such initiatives primarily stem from clubs. He noted that while UEFA supports collaborative efforts with FIFA, they also have fundamental disagreements.
Amid ongoing debates about the future of football governance and ownership, Čeferin reiterated UEFA’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of competition. He stressed that allowing the same owner to control multiple clubs within the same competition poses a threat to credibility.
Looking toward the future, he expressed sympathy for clubs like Crystal Palace, who were unable to participate in European events due to regulatory issues, affirming that such outcomes are regrettable but not a reflection of UEFA’s intentions.
Concerning the idea of staging league matches outside Europe, Čeferin advocated for keeping football’s essence grounded in its home territory, emphasizing the importance of fan accessibility. He stated, “For the future we’ll have to discuss this very seriously because football should be played in Europe, fans should watch football at home.”
Finally, as the interview drew to a close, Čeferin reflected on the complexity of discussing various global challenges and criticized the rigidity of political correctness that stifles open dialogue. He reiterated that Europe is navigating a dangerous landscape fraught with division and uncertainty.
As for his future in UEFA leadership, Čeferin remained noncommittal, asserting that he would not entertain speculation about another term or a shift to political roles, emphasizing his current focus on football governance.